Abstract [en]

Today’s demographic trends point towards increased urbanization. This has an effect onthe challenges of security policy and western military forces are reluctantly drawn intoan urban area characterized by the marginalization of conventional military power. TheNorwegian Armed Forces have recently transformed into an expeditionary force and, asa result, have been engaged in warfighting in increasingly remote areas. So far fighteraircraft have been used on three war-related missions, and will probably be involved inmore. This being the case, consideration should be given to the warfighting capabilitiesof fighter aircraft. Warfighting capability consists of moral, physical and conceptualfactors. The aim of this paper has been to analyse the conceptual basis for the use ofNorwegian fighter aircraft in urban operations (UO). As such, the paper can be seen as acontribution to an evaluation of the warfighting capabilities of Norwegian fighter aircraftin urban operations.Analysis of this conceptual basis is based on five factors distinctive to UO: physicalconditions, consideration of the civilian population, own losses, three-block war and thestrategic corporal. By way of introduction, the challenges and requirements arising fromthese five common factors are identified. The results are then used as a basis for analysisof the Norwegian strategic concept, doctrine, thinking and experience – which togetherform the overall Norwegian conceptual basis.Ideally, this basis should have been holistic and disseminated in such a way that allpersonnel in the armed forces had a common understanding of UO. This analysis hascome to the conclusion that this is not the case in Norway. The Norwegian conceptualbasis for UO is fragmented. However, the analysis has shown that the conceptual basisencompasses all the challenges and requirements of UOs, from the tactical to thestrategic level. Furthermore, in cooperation with ground forces, Norwegian fighter pilotsare currently establishing an experience-based foundation, which, to a large extent,reflects the challenges and requirements of UOs.In summary, the analysis concludes that the Norwegian conceptual basis for the use offighter aircraft in UO is sufficient.